Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Auckland > Waiheke Island > Nikau Track – Whakanewha Regional Park
Nikau Track – Whakanewha Regional Park
- Location
- Take a ferry from Downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island. Phone 09 367 9102 for details. Whakanewha Regional Park is about 20 mins drive from the Matiatia ferry wharf. You can hire shuttle buses which will take you to the park.
- Description
Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf is a world away from the city across the water: a world of beach, bush, wetland, and both Maori and European history.
The 270 hectare park is mainly bush-covered with mature stands of kohekohe/ taraire forest. The beach is a beautiful half moon sweep of sand and shells, with hills rising to the horizon behind.
A large wetland is home to some uncommon birds, bittern, banded rail, spotless crake and the New Zealand dotterel.
At high tide the water at Whakanewha Beach is shallow and warm and ideal for children. At low tide a broad expanse of sandy tidal flats is revealed. There are foreshore picnic areas with access to the beach. The beach is divided into two sections by the pa promontory.
The Nikau track starts at the information board. You walk beside wetland and head uphill to join the Tarata Loop track. At the intersection turn right to view the ‘little cascades’ waterfall and return via Central Track.
- Amenities
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- Birds
- Camping
- Fishing
- Historical
- Picnics
- Plant Life
- Swimming
- Source
- www.arc.govt.nz
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk